Comments on: Bras And Breast Support After Open Heart Surgery… Can You Help Vicki? (Updated)

By: Louise Poynton

Louise Poynton — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:05:26 +0000

Hi eveyone
My name is Louise and I am from the UK. I feel so reassured now that I have found this site. I have so many questions, not just about bras but about everything. Done lots of research about the practical things but what about the emotional side? I am normally so in control of my life but suddenly I feel so vulnerable. I feel very lucky that I am having this operation as my sister(58 yrs) and nephew (33) both died last year from the conditon that I have been diagnosed with (arortic aneurism and possible valve replacement)I am not good at asking for help!!

Hope that being in UK does not stop this email reaching all you wonderful women in USA.

Louise

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:18:10 +0000

I want to thank everyone for their input on bras. I really didn’t have a clue about how to handle that after my bypass surgery. Thanks for the info.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:29:15 +0000

I am so glad I found this site. I am going in for valve repair (and maybe more) the day after tomorrow and I’d been wondering about bras. Not only have I found some helpful answers here but also some comforting words as I can’t help but be a little fearful. Thanks to everyone and I hope you are all enjoying better health.

By: Linda bushyager

Linda bushyager — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:42:54 +0000

Nicolas, definitely follow doctor’s advice and get surgery if needed. I had aortic valve replacement six weeks ago and am doing fine. My mother also had aortic stenosis and was told to get operation, she refused, and died of heart failure at 79. She probably would be alive now if she had had surgery.
Re bra, after surgery the hospital put me into a horribly tight one, far smaller than my large frame, very uncomfortable. I realized I should get one from home, and my husband brought it in, and they said that was fine. They wanted me to wear 24 hrs a day. Even now surgeon says I should be wearing one for support to keep Incison from opening, which seems dumb to me after 6 weeks, so I have been wearing it with clasp unfastened, just to hold breasts during night and when just sitting around. The incision is just a scar now and causing little pain.
After incision heals u can use something like Mederma to reduce scar.
By the way, I had a cow valve replacement, which new research says may be better than pig valve. In any case open heart surgery is much safer than years ago, and valve replacement usually has u in hospital 5-7 days.
Good luck and let us know how u are doing

By: Nicola

Nicola — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 02:26:08 +0000

Hi Sharon,

I saw my doctor this week because I have been feeling strange rapid motions in my heartbeat. I was told I had aortic aneurysm and will be having an ECG on 13th July for testing. I had no idea what a heart murmur was and came across this brilliant blog tonight (its now 3.25am and Ive been reading it for well over an hour). So many brave women on here. My Dad had a heart valve replacement when he was 60. I decided in my head straight away there was no way I would have any operation. However, after reading how dangerous this can condition can be, and reading how so many women have gone through this op and survived ok !, I may have to prepare myself differently and consider more options. I’m only 42, and thought i’m much too young yet to worry about such a thing. However, you are only 40 and are booked in to have the op next week. This blog is fantastic and stops you feeling alone, scared and in the dark on the subject. I hope my ECG says I have nothing to worry about. I wish you all the very best of health, and good luck for your operation on July 7th, Sharon, I hope you have a speedy recovery. If I get told I need to have an op, I will be back on this blog.

By: Kate Cole

Kate Cole — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:17:30 +0000

Hi Randi,
I had aortic valve replacement last year. Do get a comfortable bra that does not have wires in it. Sports bras are good but a good supportive bra will work. You might want to go a little bit larger on the size at first. I just wore it at the most loose adjustment for awhile. At the hospital I was at they gave me a sort of brace to “hold myself” which was good.
On another thought; have an i-pod programed with music that helps you relax and have someone connect it for you in the icu once you are somewhat awake. It really helps you relax and regulate your breathing. Good luck to you Randi. Each day after surgery you will begin to feel better and eventually will be even better than you were before.

By: Randi

Randi — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:07:52 +0000

Hi Sharon!
I am so excited to have read your post…I also have a son, 2 years old, as well as a super supportive husband. I am a large chested, 32 year old, who is almost more scared about what kind of bra to wear post op than about the entire surgery…I am scheduled for July 7th, 2011 for my Open Heart Surgery…Thanks so much for this amazing website & ‘friends’ who know what it’s like!

By: stephanie g

stephanie g — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:14:24 +0000

Hi Sharon
i am recovering from Aortic valve replacement and am now 6 weeks post-op, i am the same age as you and i also have a big bust ‘G’!! best advice i can give you is when you are able to wear a bra keep the cup size the same but i would recommend a bigger back size ( i went to a 36G instead of a 34~) keep them plain, soft cups and simple, no bows on the middle part etc and definetly NO WIRES! it is still a little uncomfortable on the wound but by the time you can get your bra on (after all the drips and drains have been removed) you will be a little more mobile. it is up to you whether you decide to sleep in your bra.
i also have a 4 yr old little boy and he has been amazing throughout my recovery and gave me the best motivation to recover quickly. hope this helps and good luck.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:39:16 +0000

HI – I’m 40, and will be having open heart surgery. They are replacing my aorta and valve, as I have an aortic aneurysm. This came as a complete shock to me as I’m in great health. I’m a DD, and my girlfriend actually sent me this blog to read so I could get some advice on a bra to wear, post op. So thank you to everyone who has replied. Sounds like a size bigger, maybe a sports bra, a tube top style, maybe without underwire seems to be some of the top choices. Vicki M – you sound completely normal to me, all the questions and thoughts running through your head. I am a single parent with an 8 year old autistic son. He has no idea what will be happening to Mom. I am thankful my heart problem was found, as I have more work to do.

By: Kate

Kate — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 04:19:07 +0000

I am 58 and had my aortic valve replaced due to a congenital defect. Everything went well; I had a terrific surgeon and my family to care for me. Cardio rehab really made a difference and I have more energy and can do things I never could before. One thing that still bothers me after 9 months is that my sternum still hurts with weather changes and coughing and my right breast still hurts; not enough to stop be from doing what I want, just annoying. Anyone else experience this?